Acceptable Use Policy for the Internet
The Canton Public Library provides free access to the Internet, in accordance with the Library's mission. The Internet is a global network which provides access to a wide range of educational, recreational and reference resources, many of which are not available in print. The Internet does not fall under the control or governance of any single agency, government or organization. The Library makes no guarantees, implied or otherwise, regarding the factual reliability of the data collected through the Internet. Users should ask a librarian to assist in determining the quality, authority, or validity of information retrieved.

The library provides Internet access in the Technology Center, Reference and Young Adult Departments, and Children's Library during hours of operation.

In the Adult Library, Internet access is available to users in eighth grade and up, and to younger patrons who are accompanied by a parent or caregiver.

In the Children’s Department, internet access protected by third party software applications that filter, block, or restrict access to predetermined words or URLs on the world wide web is available to users in grade school. Protected access is not foolproof and children are responsible for the information selected and accessed. Workstations are located in highly visible public areas and library staff monitors their use as time allows. However, library staff cannot be responsible for total supervision of all web-browsing activity. Adults are prohibited from using computers in the Children’s Library unless together with a child.

It is not acceptable for a minor to receive any material that is deemed harmful to minors under the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) through a web site, email, chat room, or other direct electronic communication.

No user shall use the system for commercial purposes or to perform any act that may be construed as illegal or unethical. Users should consider library computers to be insecure and should take precautions when entering personal or financial information online. The Canton Public Library is not responsible for financial loss or unauthorized access of financial/personal information entered on public access computers either by other patrons or third parties. Remember to log-out of any financial, personal, or e-mail account or someone may be able to access your personal information.

It is not acceptable to use Internet access for any purposes which violate federal or state laws. Examples of unacceptable use include, but are not limited to: harassing,  libeling or slandering others; violating security of computer systems including downloading onto the machine, unauthorized use of computer accounts, access codes, or network identification numbers assigned to others; destruction or damage to equipment, software or data belonging to the library or other users; disruption or unauthorized monitoring of electronic communications; unauthorized copying of copyright-protected materials. Illegal acts involving library computing resources may be subject to prosecution by local, state, or federal authorities.

The Library defends the rights of individuals to access any constitutionally protected information; however users must respect the rights of staff and other patrons when obtaining information from the Internet. The display of graphic material that conflicts with the rights of other users is prohibited by our "Rules of Conduct for Library Users". Violations of these policies may result in loss of computer privileges and/or library privileges.

Guidelines for using the workstations
Adult Library

1. A valid OCLN library card or statewide Library Card activated in OCLN is required to log into the Library workstations in the Reference Room, Computer Center and Young Adult Room.  Library staff will not look up library card numbers for the purpose of using Library workstations. A guest pass may be issued if you don't have a library card in the network.
2. There is a 180 minute  per user per day limit on the use of workstations.
3. No more than two users may sit at a single station.
4. If a patron owes more than 5.00 or has more than 10 overdue items internet privileges may be blocked until fine is paid.
5. Electronic copies can be made to a floppy disk or flash drive.  Disks are available at the Reference Desk for $1.00 each.
6. The Print Station is available from all workstations at $ .15 per page for black and white and $ .75 for color. Make note of the number of pages to be printed before sending your print job to the Print Station.
7. Library staff can offer only limited assistance with specific technical questions about  e-mail and other software.
8. No food or drink (other than water) is allowed in the Library.
9. Please be courteous to other library patrons.  Turn off cell phones when in the Library and make calls outside or in the vestibule.
10. Workstations are turned off 10 minutes before the library is closed. Please plan your work accordingly. 

Children’s Library

The same rules apply to the children’s computer workstation with the following exceptions.
1.  Workstations in the Children’s Library may be used by Children in grades k – 7 only.  Users must sign in using their library cards
     and PIN.
2.  There is a one-hour per user per day limit on the Children’s Workstations.
3.  Print jobs will be released to the Children’s Room Printer behind the Children's Room Desk. Please pay $ .15 per page for black and white
    and $. 75 for color at  the Children’s Welcome Desk.

Updated September 15, 2010.